God Only Has Good for Us through His Grace

As I was reading Romans 11, I pondered the phrase, “God granted them a spirit of deep slumber or frustration” (Romans 11:8 KJV). Paul was teaching about how Israel rejected God and killed His prophets, recounting Elijah's anguish when he thought he was the only faithful servant left. God reassured Elijah that He had preserved 7,000 prophets who had not bowed to Baal (1 Kings 19:18 KJV).

This brought me to a deeper understanding of God's grace and sovereignty. Scripture repeatedly affirms that God’s intentions toward us are good. As Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) reminds us: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a

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future.” Yet, I wrestled with understanding why God would "grant" a spirit of slumber or frustration, as described in Romans 11:8 (TPT).

The term “granted” in this passage originates from the Greek word “ἐδίωκεν” (edōken), which means “gave” or “delivered.” Its meaning varies depending on context, and here are some ways it can be understood:

1. Permitted or Allowed: God allowed them to fall into spiritual slumber as a consequence of their choices and hardened hearts.

• Romans 1:24 (NIV): “Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another.”

2. Assigned or Appointed: The “spirit of slumber” was appointed by God to fulfill His sovereign plan, such as the partial hardening of Israel to bring salvation to the Gentiles.

• Romans 11:25 (ESV): “A partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.”

3. Delivered Over: God handed them over to their own desires or to experience the consequences of their rejection of Him.

4. Decreed or Ordained: This may indicate divine judgment, where God, in His sovereignty, ordained a season of dullness for His redemptive purpose.

5. Imparted: God imparted this state of spiritual blindness or frustration as part of His greater plan for humanity’s salvation.

The context of Romans 11 highlights that this “granting” serves God’s justice and mercy, pointing to His ultimate purpose of salvation for all people. It aligns with the truth in Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV): “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

When we interpret scripture in light of scripture, the understanding becomes clearer. God’s will is always good, as confirmed in John 10:10 (KJV): “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

The first definition—God permitting or allowing—resonates most with His character. When individuals reject God, they remove themselves from His protection and invite spiritual darkness into their lives. God allows this not out of malice but as a result of human free will. We must not confuse the devil’s schemes with God’s sovereignty. The enemy seeks to distract us with doubt and despair, but God remains steadfast in His goodness.

While we will face trials, these challenges are opportunities to grow stronger in faith and emerge victorious. James 1:2-4 (NIV) encourages us: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

When we have done everything God instructs us to do—obeying His Word, praying without ceasing, and standing firm in faith—we will stand undefeated in the end. Ephesians 6:13 (NIV) reminds us: “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”

God’s grace is sufficient, and His plans are always for our good. Though we may not always understand His ways, we can trust that His sovereignty is working for His glory and our ultimate benefit. Let us pray daily to remain spiritually aware, walking in faith and standing firm on His promises.